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They added: "As we are in the unknown of how long we will be closed, it is very painful to say but the future is very bleak.

"It is heart breaking to say but the realistic answer is that yes, there is every possibility that the zoo may be forced to permanently close if we cannot reach the finances that we will need if we are to be closed until September or even later.

"The management and staff here are part of the effort to first survive until we can re-open, then stabilise, the next stage will be to then prosper and continue the very ambitious plan to keep Colchester Zoo at the very top, where we always strive towards."

Bosses confirmed that the zoo couldn't survive if the lockdown was extended until September or October this year, and are instead hoping they can reopen in July.

'Colchester Zoo is a community'

Many visitors love seeing the penguins (Image: Colchester Zoo)

Since officially opening in 1963, Colchester Zoo has welcomed hundreds of volunteers in a number of capacities.

The Maldon Road attraction, based on the outskirts of Colchester, Essex, welcomes people of all ages to come and experience the magic of the wild.

Emily Hedgecock, who has volunteered at the zoo for more than three years, said: "I think it's important to say how much Colchester Zoo is more than just the wonderful animals being looked after there.

"I have volunteered at Colchester Zoo for over three years now and I have met so so so many people. Colchester Zoo is a community. I've met people who come down regularly for the social side of it.

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"They love animals and they love coming to meet like-minded people. I've met an elderly couple who come every week and take photos, they print them out and show lots of members of staff from the keepers to the volunteers to the guys in guest services to the catering staff.

"It has saved so many people from being lonely and isolated. Instead they feel part of something. For so many people Colchester Zoo is a lifeline.

"Many of the photographers have formed friendships from meeting at the zoo. Friends come and meet at the zoo. Families come and play at the zoo. Every person at any age is welcome at the zoo!"

One of Eleanor Jolliffe's favourite pictures that she's taken at the zoo, of the King Vulture (Image: Eleanor Jolliffe)

Eleanor Jolliffe has also volunteered at the attraction, and claims she will always be grateful for what it's given to her.

She said: "I have spent so many days at the zoo through volunteering, wildlife photography, work experience with the birds of prey, being an intern on their UmPhafa reserve in South Africa and through making memories there as a child.

"The zoo’s endless conservation efforts are something of great importance to me as a Wildlife Conservation Graduate; I will forever be grateful for everything the zoo has brought to my life!

The perfect place for kids

A Punch and Judy show taking place at the zoo

For many, the most magical thing about a zoo is seeing the way children interact with the animals.

Angela Forlkerd, who is part the Facebook group 'Help our Zoo, Support our Zoo', is attempting to set up a fundraiser to directly support the zoo during this difficult time.

"I have always loved animals myself, but since becoming a mum (and a childminder) seeing the way the children connect with the animals is truly special," Angela said.

"When my two-year-old first saw the leopard cubs it was literally all she talked about for a month! I know zoos can be seen as controversial to some, but I personally believe to have true empathy you need connection.

"The zoo allows us all to connect with animals we may never in our lifetime be able to see in their natural habitat, it means we care about their species more and want to help them.

"Colchester Zoo do such amazing conservation work and we feel so lucky to have such an inspiring place on our doorstep."

Philippa Parks and her son, Derry, are hoping the zoo pulls through this difficult time (Image: Philippa Parks)

And it's the same for Philippa Parks, who often takes her son, Derry, to see the animals.

She said: "The zoo is mine and my family's favourite place ever!

"Our suggestion to help the zoo would be if everyone renewed their gold cards now (regardless of the date). Then it would help the zoo out in this time of need! #saveourzoo."

Charlotte Bono added: "[My daughter] has been coming since she could walk and has seen the zoo change and get bigger.

Charlotte Bono's daughter, Chloe-Marie, enjoying the rhino experience in December last year (Image: Charlotte Bono)

"Even at 16-years-old she still gets excited to go to Colchester Zoo. It will be a massive shame if the zoo was to close as it has been a massive part of my daughter's life and we have so many good memories at Colchester Zoo."

Siobhan Gilbert said: "My daughter absolutely loves this place. She has a gold card every year and unfortunately because of this we haven't managed to use it before it runs out.

"This picture was taken in January and Leah absolutely loves the birds as well as all the other animals.

"We can't wait to get back."

Leah has a gold card to the zoo every year (Image: Siobhan Gilbert)

Charly Jane's son was meant to be celebrating his birthday at the zoo, but the coronavirus lockdown put a stop to that.

And that's not her only memory. She recalls going into labour while walking around the famous attraction.

"We go to the zoo at least once a week and were meant to be going there on Saturday for my son’s third birthday," Charly said. "I’ve been visiting since I was a child and we actually went to the zoo the day I went into labour!

"All that walking clearly helped. I would be devastated if it were to close and I have already donated to support them."

Amy Cotterill, who has a two-year-old daughter, says she plans to renew her pass when it expires next month as a way of supporting the zoo.

"Having the annual pass has been really good for us and we usually go every month," she said. "My nearly three-year-old absolutely loves it.

"She spends all day running round and is very good at identifying all of the animals. She has really missed it these last few weeks and keeps asking to go.

"Our pass is up for renewal next month and I intend on contacting the zoo to see if I can still do that.

"I don't want an extension on the time we can use it because they're closed - they still have animals to look after and I want to help.

We are aware of a number of fundraising efforts being set up to support Colchester Zoo, and we will endeavour to bring these to your attention as soon as we can.